Boston Light is on Little Brewster Island in the Harbor Islands. A ferry ride to the Harbor Islands make a pleasant afternoon, but the journey can be time-consuming. / AP file photo

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News-Leader

We have always wanted to visit the Boston, Mass., area and will have the opportunity to do so this July. However, we know nothing about the area and will be traveling by auto and on a tight budget (taking into consideration gas, food and lodging expenses). Do you have any lodging suggestions? We plan to spend at least three full days in Boston visiting historic sites. With only three days ... do you have any specific “must see” sites?

– Dixie & Gary Dannenberg

I love Boston, and since one of my best friends lives there, have had the opportunity to visit many times. That said, I never stay in hotels because I have a place to stay. I did some online research, though, and found some affordable hotels.

For budget accommodations, consider a hostel. Most people think of hostels as an option when traveling internationally, but there are many in the United States (particularly in big cities). Keep in mind, it also usually means shared bathrooms and rooms. This hostel is in a good location and includes free breakfast. Standard full ($74) two twins ($88). Hostels sell out quickly, so reserve now if that is what you want. Here is the website: http://www.40berkeley.com/.

Another idea is to stay near the airport and commute to the city. The Rodeway Inn and Red Roof Inn by the airport have good online reviews, and you can score a room for about $75. Here’s where I found those deals: http://www.booking.com.

If you stay at the airport and commute, then check out other hotels on Hotels.com. I usually find some of the best deals there. There are less expensive airport hotels available, but I just didn’t know how low of a star rating you’d want.

If you commute, it will take more time, but save you a bunch. A centrally located hotel averages about $250-$280 a night.

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The good news is you don’t have to worry about driving in Boston if you stay at the airport because there are free shuttle buses between airline terminals and the MBTA subway (Blue Line). Buses generally run every 15-20 minutes. Look for the blue and white shuttle buses curbside on the lower level of each terminal. Here is a helpful website: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/logan.

And if you want to stay centrally located, one of the less expensive hotels I found was Boston Common Hotel & Conference Center, which is within walking distance from Copley Square, Boston Common and Public Garden. Rooms start at $189 on Hotels.com.

You will want to use the subway while you are there because parking is a pain and expensive!

As far as attractions, this is probably on your “to do” list, but you should walk the Freedom Trail. You follow a brick-lined path for 2.5 miles to 16 historic sites such as museums, meetinghouses and churches. It’s awesome!

Other than that, you can’t fit all of these in, but here are some options:

• Boston Harbor Islands are nice, and you can take the ferry over for an afternoon. (This would be my last pick because of time.) I love the water and try to take a tour or ferry ride in every possible city. Here’s more info: http://www.bostonharborislands.org/passenger-ferry.

• It’s a splurge, but if you want to eat at the oldest restaurant in Boston (est. 1826), stop in Union Oyster House, 41 Union St. You’ll pass this on the Freedom Trail, so if nothing else, take a photo outside.

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• My friend recommends Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market (which the Freedom Trail passes). It’s a historic site and a great place to shop or grab a bite. (It boasts 13 full-service restaurants and 35 food stalls.)

Let me say, three days in Boston is not much, and I’d add a day if you can. It’s a wonderful American city!

Travel Tip:

Heading to Cancun, Mexico, this year? Here are some noteworthy culinary/wine events:

• The first Thursday of each month, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun will celebrate local artists and highlight their work to guests with a “Wine and Art Pairing.” View local art and sample free wine.

Deal of the Week:

This week’s deal comes from Marsh Travel, 1819 S. National Ave., and it’s a trip to “Ragun Cajun” country visiting San Antonio and New Orleans from April 25-May 1. Leave Springfield and travel to San Antonio. Spend three nights in San Antonio just one block from the Riverwalk and visit to the SAS Shoe Factory store. There is plenty of time to explore San Antonio on your own.

Then spend one night in Lafayette, La., and two nights in downtown New Orleans’ French Quarter. You’ll take a city tour of New Orleans, too.

Price is $749.13 per person with two to a room; $1,199,13 for single supplement. Price includes fully escorted motor coach tours and lodging. Call 887-1819.